Pa. law now requires elementary schoolers to learn cursive writing

Pennsylvania youngsters will once again have to learn the art of cursive handwriting as part of their schooling, under a bill signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Feb. 11.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro, specifies that public and private elementary school curriculum should teach “print, joined italics and cursive handwriting.”

In adopting the bill, Pennsylvania is joining about 25 other states — including Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware — in requiring cursive instruction.

“Teaching this foundational and functionally relevant skill better equips students for academic and professional endeavors,” Watro wrote in a memo to his colleagues.

In the memo, the Schuylkill County Republican said research shows learning cursive offers cognitive benefits, arguing that the fluid writing style helps to “reinforce neural connections and build hand-eye coordination in developing brains.”

He also mentioned that knowing cursive is important in developing a personal signature and is necessary to read the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and other historic documents. In fact, the National Archives in 2025 put out a call for cursive-literate volunteers who could help them decipher and transcribe old documents.

Watro’s legislation passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.